An Austin-East player runs with the ball while defended by a Loudon player during the 2018 East Tennessee 7-on-7 Perimeter Passing Day at Maryville College Saturday, July 14, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

He might have a new title, but Brad Turner isn't looking to change up too much as the new head coach at Gibbs.

As he embarks on the first year of his tenure, Turner is going to keep his role as defensive coordinator and not micromanage other aspects of his football team.

"That's the thing to me," Turner said. "It's not necessarily about being a head coach. I know I've got to fill those duties. I'm going to be the defensive coordinator, and I have full confidence in our offensive coordinator, Tyler Kitts."

And what reasons would he have to micromanage?

Kitts has served as the team's offensive coordinator for the past five seasons and has earned Turner's trust. The two had served as coordinators on the same staff.

"He has full rein to do his thing and throw a wrinkle in here and there if that's what we need to do to win a football game," Turner said.

Gibbs players already have impressed Turner with their leadership and work ethic. The Eagles missed the playoffs last season, finishing with a 5-5 record, and are looking to turn that around.

"One of the biggest developments (this offseason) is the leadership of our senior class," Turner said. "There was a transition there where they didn't have a head coach from January to March. They sort of took this team upon themselves ..."

"I think it's just leadership, hard work, doing the small things right. With a chip on our shoulder after not making the playoffs last year, this team is determined to be successful."

Turner's hands-off approach has caught the attention of his players. They attribute it to the years he spent coaching at Gibbs before taking the head job. The 39-year-old had been working and coaching at the school since 2004.

"He's been coaching at Gibbs for 15 years and this is his first year as head coach," quarterback Dalton Wright said. "He's let our offensive coordinator, Tyler Kitts, pretty much do the same thing as last year.

"We've put in a little bit more stuff. We're playing a little bit more aggressive. But we haven't learned that much ..."

Depth is a concern for the Eagles, especially on the line. The Eagles' skill players, though, could help make up for that.

Whatever the concern, though, don't expect Turner to attempt to fix it all himself. That's not in his makeup.

And just because he's the head coach now doesn't mean he's going to change his ways.